Appearing at an event in South L.A., Mayor Eric Garcetti called Sterling’s comments “offensive to Magic Johnson, the city (and) to the work that people do.” He cited Johnson’s reputation as a businessman and a basketball player.

“Magic Johnson has been a great contributor to the city,” Garcetti said.

Sparking fresh controversy, Sterling appeared to disparage Johnson in an interview with CNN host Anderson Cooper that aired Monday night. While Sterling expressed admiration for Johnson, he also repeatedly brought up Johnson’s HIV-positive status.

“Well, what kind of a guy goes to every city, he has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV — and is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?” Sterling asked, according to a transcript. “I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background.”

The Clippers owner also questioned what the basketball star has done for children or South L.A. “Jews, when they get successful, they will help their people. And some of the African-Americans — maybe I will get in trouble again — they don’t want to help anybody.”

Sterling’s interview with Cooper marked his first major television appearance since TMZ.com posted audio of the Clippers owners scolding a friend for posting photos of African-Americans, including Johnson, on her Instagram account and bringing African-Americans to games.

The audio prompted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to ban Sterling for life and initiate efforts to strip his ownership of the Clippers.

While Sterling also apologized in the CNN interview, stating he wasn’t a racist, his remarks on Johnson drew nationwide condemnation.

Councilman Bernard Parks, who represents parts of South L.A., called a press conference Tuesday to defend Johnson, telling reporters the icon has brought chains such as Starbucks and 24 Hour Fitness to the area as CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), which has partnered on real-estate development projects in South L.A.

“I have seen Magic’s influence throughout the city, but most particularly in my district, where he has been the ultimate partner by lending both his name and finances to the minority communities I serve,” Parks said.

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Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson also weighed in, saying Johnson has long “been engaged in trying to uplift the community.”

Even NBA Commissioner Silver called Sterling’s comments on CNN a “malicious and personal attack” and apologized to the basketball star on behalf of the NBA. He said the league is “continuing with its process to remove Mr. Sterling as expeditiously as possible.”

In an interview with TMZ.com Tuesday, Johnson suggested Sterling needs help. ”It’s sad. We just got to pray for him,” he said.